One of America's top basketball coaches, Matt Painter enters his 17th year at Purdue.

He owns a 355-164 record at Purdue. He has led the Boilermakers to 12 NCAA Tournaments, five Sweet 16s, three Big Ten regular-season championships, a Big Ten Tournament title, an Elite Eight, and an international gold medal.

His peers voted him as the NABC National Coach of the Year after leading a team that started with a 6-5 record to the 2019 Elite Eight.

Purdue's six straight NCAA Tournament appearances are the seventh-longest active streak in America and Purdue is one of just three teams to have a top-five seed in each of the last five NCAA Tournaments.

Off the court, his program had 68 Academic All-Big Ten honorees in his 16 previous years at Purdue, and every player but one who has exhausted his eligibility at Purdue has graduated.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The principles that have guided Matt Painter's coaching journey
• The importance of honesty and integrity in recruiting
• The value of player development and the value of redshirting
• How to balance talent with character and work ethic in players
• How to build and maintain a strong team culture
• The role of communication and accountability within the team
• How to adapt coaching philosophy to evolving game dynamics
• The power of handling adversity and learning from mistakes in a competitive environment
  
  

Resources & Links

Matt Painter

• Website: https://www.purdue.edu/
• Website: https://purduesports.com/
• LinkedIn: Purdue University
• Twitter: @BoilerBall
• Instagram: @boilerball

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/
• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

Youth sports are more than just games—they foster personal growth and shape future success. They teach values like teamwork and resilience that impact both personal and professional development. For parents, it’s a balancing act between supporting their child and trusting the coach’s role in building character. These shared experiences strengthen family bonds, while also preparing young athletes to navigate challenges both on and off the field.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Jerry Lynch and John O'Sullivan, the authors of The Champion Sports Parent.

Our Guests

John O'Sullivan is a TEDx speaker and founder of the Changing the Game Project, which he launched in 2012. He's the author of two bestselling books, Changing the Game and Every Moment Matters, and hosts the popular Way of Champions podcast.

A former collegiate and professional soccer player with over 20 years of coaching experience, John has worked with top organizations like the US Olympic Committee and USA Soccer. He serves on advisory boards for the Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Association for Physical Literacy.

Dr. Jerry Lynch is a former Nike-sponsored athlete and national champion who transformed his experience into a career coaching elite athletes. He has worked with NBA teams, Major League Soccer, and top universities like Duke and Stanford.

Dr. Lynch, author of 15 books, founded the Way of Champions, a performance consulting group. Recognized as one of the top in his field, he focuses on leadership, culture building, and personal growth in sports and life.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Key lessons from the book "The Champion Sports Parent"
• The importance of allowing children to experience failure
• The power of self-awareness and reflection in parenting
• How to balance discipline and enjoyment
• How to navigate pressure and expectations in youth sports
• The crucial role of trust and communication with coaches
• How sports can drive personal growth and family bonding

Resources & Links

John O'Sullivan and Jerry Lynch

• Website: https://changingthegameproject.com/

• Website: www.wayofchampions.com

• Get the Book: The Champion Sports Parent

• Way of Champions Podcast on Apple Podcast

• Jerry’s LinkedIn

• John’s LinkedIn

Ed Molitor

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/

• Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/

As a former University of Tennessee Assistant Coach and now a Founding Partner of Axiom Wealth Management, Mark Pancratz knows the value of developing and connecting leaders.

During his seven years with Coach Bruce Pearl at UT, Mark worked specifically in player development and scouting. His ability to coach talent and enhance skills while thinking strategically set him up to shift his focus to growing a multi-million dollar financial planning service.

Mark also serves as one of the top youth basketball coaches in Knoxville. Building the next generation of leaders while equipping them to not lose themselves in a game sets him apart from many coaches. Through coaching and leading his business, Mark has had the privilege to work with other high-impact leaders, coaches and teams to grow their faith, health and wealth.

Most importantly, Mark is the lucky husband to Brooke and a father to three beautiful daughters, Charli (13) and Landri (10) and Jovi (7) - providing him with plenty of opportunities to continue coaching the sport he loves.

You can find out more about Mark through his monthly newsletter, The Starting Five at markpancratz.substack.com.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• How to fuel professional success with personal fulfillment
• How to build authentic relationships in leadership
• The importance of mentorship and support systems
• How accountability impacts coaching and long-term development
• How to navigate transitions and build meaningful connections along the way
• The role of vulnerability and transparency in effective leadership
• The significance of clear communication and expectations in relationship building
• How to empower others to reach their potential in both sports and business

Resources & Links:

• Mark’s LinkedIn
• www.axiom.nm.com
• https://markpancratz.substack.com/

Mike Buddie is in his fifth year as the Director of Athletics at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Buddie leads the athletic department's mission to develop leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country, supporting Cadet-Athletes' 47-month experience at West Point. Under his leadership, Cadet-Athletes have achieved four Rhodes Scholars, 10 conference championships, NCAA postseason appearances, and 12 Patriot League Coach of the Year honors.

In December 2023, private funding was secured to begin the Michie Stadium Preservation Project in Spring 2024, expected to complete in Summer 2026, preserving Michie Stadium’s 100-year history. Buddie played a key role in Army's move to the American Athletic Conference for football only in 2024, enhancing the program's opportunities.

In September 2023, Buddie introduced the "Fruits of Victory" strategic plan, focusing on competitive successes, a premier Division I athletic experience, public engagement, revenue generation, and sustainability. He also announced contract extensions for six Army head coaches, including Jeff Monken for football.

AWPAA extended its partnership with CBS Sports Network for Black Knights football home games and continues facility enhancements, including the $95 million Michie Stadium Preservation Project. Buddie, also NCAA Baseball Committee Chair, has built national relationships leading to an extension with Nike and Bowl partnerships.

Before West Point, Buddie led Furman University’s athletics, achieving significant successes, including a balanced budget, major financial gifts, and 26 Southern Conference Championships. Previously, he spent a decade at Wake Forest University. Buddie, a former MLB pitcher, played for the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers.

A native of Berea, Ohio, Buddie and his wife, Traci, have two children, Zachary and Zoe.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The labor of love being done through the Michie Stadium Preservation Project
• The value of authenticity and consistency in leadership
• How Mike’s athletic background instilled a strong work ethic
• The impact of genuine actions and attention to small details
• The importance of constantly seeking knowledge and improving skills
• How clear and honest communication helps build strong relationships and trust
• How having a clear purpose and being driven by it provides motivation and direction
• The value of adapting and responding positively to setbacks and turning challenges into opportunities
• Mike’s mission to create a lasting impact in the lives of athletes through meaningful experiences and memories

Additional Resources:

• Website: goarmywestpoint.com
• Michie Stadium Preservation Project: https://www.michiestadium.com/
• Mike’s LI:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buddie-a464102/
• Mike’s IG: @buddie52
• Books:
  • No Time For Spectators
  • The Obstacle is the Way

Erin “Big” Diehl is a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Author and Keynote Speaker.

Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin created improve it!: a unique professional development company that uses improvisational comedy and experiential learning to sharpen leaders and teams so they can thrive in ever-changing environments, and do it with a whole lot of laughs along the way.

Erin Diehl is a graduate from Clemson University, a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional, and a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theater.

Having spoken on global stages with companies, including Amazon, LinkedIn, McKesson, and the Obama Foundation, Erin has an energy and message to share with the world that creates lasting ripple effects for change. As a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and member of The Chicago Innovation Awards Women’s Cohort, Erin is a living testament to the power of life-long learning, and how working to understand ourselves helps others to do so, too.

Erin is the proud host of a Top 1% Global Podcast, The improve it! Podcast, which you can find anywhere you listen to pods! She is also a first time author to the Amazon Best Seller & Top New Release book: I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy.

Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 35,000 professionals to chicken dance.

When she's not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys walking on the beach with her husband, son, and eight-pound toy poodle, BIGG DIEHL.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of empathy in leadership and relationship building
• The concept of energy in leadership as the capacity to affect others positively
• How combining self-love and selfless leadership can impact culture
• Erin’s 3P’s that led to her becoming the author of Amazon’s Best Seller, “I See You”
• The impact of power skills like vulnerability and compassion in leadership
• The value of exercises and activities in personal and professional development
• How to learn from the experiences of good and bad leaders to improve your own leadership skills

Aditional Resources:

• Website: www.learntoimproveit.com & www.itserindiehl.com
• Podcast: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erindiehl
• Instagram: @itserindiehl
• Book: https://www.itserindiehl.com/i-see-you
• Listen to Previous Episode

Guest Bio:

Pat Carroll is a devoted husband and father of four but also a storied athlete and a respected leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. His journey began on the basketball courts of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he played as a Division 1 athlete.

Pat was a key player on the legendary SJU team that achieved a perfect 27-0 record during the regular season, earning them the #1 national ranking and a memorable run to the Elite 8 in March Madness.

In his senior year, Pat’s hard work culminated in being named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and the Big 5 Most Outstanding Player. That season, he led the nation with an impressive 135 made 3-pointers and set the record for the all-time leader in career 3-point field goal percentage in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Transitioning from the adrenaline of basketball to the fast-paced world of pharma and biotech, Pat has become a Commercial Director at Inizio Engage. His expertise now drives team development, sales strategies, and innovative practices in the industry.

Pat is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience, regularly contributing tips and best practices on LinkedIn, where he also indulges in his love for the art of shooting—both on the court and in business strategy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of trust and vulnerability in building high-performing teams

• The importance of preparation to ensure readiness for any situation

• How trust is a key component of a successful team, both 'earned trust' and 'given trust'

• The importance of clear roles and responsibilities within a team

• How overcoming adversity as a team can lead to a stronger, more cohesive unit.

• The importance of learning and teaching every day as a means of personal and professional growth

• How success translates from athletics to business, particularly in terms of preparation, teamwork, and performance

Additional Resources:

• https://inizioengage.com/

• Pat’s LinkedIn

• Pat’s X/Twitter

Sarah Wirth is the President of Ecsell Institute and the Amazon best-selling author of "The Coaching Effect." With over 20 years of experience in employee assessment, leadership development, executive coaching, and customer service, Sarah has a proven track record of driving growth and excellence.

She began her career as a talent analyst, coaching leaders in diverse organizations, and later led a consulting firm to a 65% revenue increase. As Vice President of Client Services at Ecsell Institute, she boosted client retention to over 94% before becoming President in 2019.

Sarah is passionate about leadership and its impact on team performance, bringing an analytical approach to high-performing sales leaders. She is a sought-after presenter for global executives from top companies like Mercedes Benz, Estee Lauder, and Ritz Carlton.

Holding a B.A. from the University of Nebraska and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, Sarah combines her legal expertise with her leadership insights to drive innovation and success at Ecsell Institute.

What You’ll Learn on this Episode:

• The significance of understanding and improving leadership behaviors

• What the Coaching Equation is and how it drives performance

• The importance of creating complexity for growth and development

• What are the four key coaching activities for effective and high-impact coaching

• The impact of building strong and trusting relationships with team members

• How the practice of leadership helps leaders increase their self-awareness

• The significance of ongoing career discussions and feedback in fostering growth and improvement

• Why leaders should take time to understand their team member's career goals and personal interests

Additional Resources:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn

• Learn about Ecsell Institute

• The Coaching Effect Book

Mike Sarraille is the founder and CEO of Talent War Group, Legacy Expeditions, ATTA, and head of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Nation.

Mike is a two-time best-selling author, globally ranked leadership speaker, documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur, and extreme adventurer.

He is a former Recon Marine and Scout-Sniper, and retired US Navy SEAL officer with 20 years of experience in Special Operations, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command.

What you’ll learn on this episode:

• Leadership lessons from Navy SEAL training principles
• The importance of mental toughness and discretionary thinking
• The importance of discomfort for character development and overall growth
• How accountability in teamwork drives individual growth and collective excellence
• How shared hardship and adversity can help to build trust and strong relationships
• The impact of prioritizing preparation over execution to build resilience and readiness
• Dive into Triple 7 and how it honors the legacy of service and sacrifice of U.S. and Allied troops

Additional Resources:

About Mike:

• www.mikesarraille.com
• Linkedin: michaelsarraille
• IG: @mr.sarraille
• Twitter: @mjsarraille
• Facebook: Mike Sarraille

Get Mike’s Books:

• The Everyday Warrior
• The Talent War

About Triple 7:

• www.legacyexpeditions.com
• Click here to watch Triple 7 Trailer
• Click here to purchase tickets!
• TRIPLE 7 PREMIER SCHEDULE:
  • May 11: New York City, NY
  • May 13: Tampa, FL
  • May 14: Austin, TX
  • May 15: Dallas, TX
  • May 16: Los Angeles, CA